MBA to slap hefty fine on Knights?

The Metropolitan Basketball Association may assess today Andok’s San Juan a stiff fine for its unsportsmanlike conduct in their 105-137 loss to the Cebu Gems at the Cebu Coliseum Friday.

Commissioner Ogie Narvasa, who has just returned from a brief leave of absence, summoned San Juan coach Philip Cezar to his office this morning. League insider said Narvasa may fine the ballclub after reviewing the game tape and getting information from the referees and table officials.

The Knights found themselves in hot water once again after going in a fouling spree in the fourth quarter of their game versus the Gems apparently in protest of the mistakes made by the coliseum barker.

Cebu went on to win the game by a mile as San Juan gave a total of 58 fouls which resulted to 73 free throws by the Gems and the ejection of all but one of the 12 players of coach Cezar.

Cezar, who is facing a possible multi-game suspension, denied instructing the players to foul at will.

Meanwhile, reigning Southern Conference champion Negros stakes its unblemished record as it tangles with dangerous LBC Batangas today in the 2001 MBA at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod.

Inspired by their boisterous homecourt crowd, the Slashers won their initial game at home at the expense of regional rival the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems three weeks back and has never lost since then for a 4-0 slate.

Negros hopes to lean on the Negrenses again as it clashes with LBC Batangas. — Joey Villar